Turning a Challenge Into an Opportunity

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Recommended: Challenges faced by adolescence

The “terrible two’s” are nothing compared to the Double-Digit Dischord of a child’s early adolescence. Oh sure, we hear all about how tough it can be to raise a teenager, but I think parents do not mention those “tween” years because they are so traumatized by the conflict , it is just too soon to discuss.

Yes, I am making light of the tendency to attach ideas of conflict with older teens, but research is showing that the traditional teenage years are not when you will have most of your conflict with them (Parent). While it is true that there are various stages in the growth of a child when conflict is likely to occur, it seems unfair not to prepare parents for those years in early adolescence, when you have an opportunity to really set the tone and boundaries.

The research is in: levels of conflict are highest during early the adolescence ages of 10-12 (Parent). I have raised one son. I now have a 9 year old son and an 11 year old daughter to guide into adulthood and responsible independence. This stage we are entering is already showing itself to be difficult at times and it is comforting to know that the conflicts I have already experienced are not necessarily due to previous “mistakes” on my part or exclusively because of a particular temperament that my daughter has always exhibited. The greatest challenge I have with my daughter is instilling a sense of empathy for others. While both my sons seem to have been born equipped with an inherent sense of awareness for others and concern for others, my daughter was not. As it turns out, it might be that my boys were the ones who are exceptions, not my daughter. An organization based in Toronto, Canada actually works with schools to help children understand how to empath...

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...icts knowing that they are not only normal, they are also an opportunity to teach my children how to practice conflict-resolution. I will take the challenge and turn it into an opportunity.

Works Cited

Allison, Barbara N., and Jerelyn B. Schultz. "PARENT-ADOLESCENT CONFLICT INEARLY ADOLESCENCE."Adolescence 39.153 (2004): 101. MasterFILE Premier. EBSCO. Web. 16 Apr. 2011.

Horton-Parker, Radha J. "Teaching children to care: Engendering prosocial behavior through humanistic parenting." Journal of Humanistic Education & Development 37.2 (1998): 66. MasterFILE Premier. EBSCO. Web. 1 May 2011.

TREACY, Sean. "Empathy Can Be the Difference between Bully, Nice Kid." PostStar.com - Glens Falls, Saratoga, Lake George NY Area News. Lee Enterprises, 03 Apr. 2011. Web. 16 Apr. 2011. http://poststar.com/news/local/article_557cbd44-5e37-11e0-8e3f-001cc4c03286.html.

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